Brendan Rodgers hails players' honesty and professionalism

BRENDAN Rodgers has launched a passionate defence of his players’ honesty, professionalism and work ethic after they extended their domestic unbeaten run to a staggering 67 games with today’s 5-1 victory over Motherwell.

It was the third time the Hoops have played the Steelmen in the space of a week. Last Sunday, the Bhoys triumphed in the League Cup final with a 2-0 victory, with Moussa Dembele sealing the victory from the penalty spot after Scott Sinclair was felled in the box.

On Wednesday night, Sinclair netted from the spot late in game to secure a share of the spoils for the Scottish treble-winners at Fir Park following a foul on Callum McGregor in the box.

Speaking after today’s game in Paradise, the manager said: “This week, there was a debate about the honesty and professionalism of the Celtic players, and questions asked about the supporters. This is not a debate. These are players who have got to this level of 67 games unbeaten because of their professionalism and their honesty. in how they work and how they devote their life to their profession and. along with the supporters, they have been absolutely brilliant.

“I understand Motherwell were probably hurt after the game on Sunday and that probably spills into Wednesday, but some of the nonsense that came out of there this week was absolutely incredible. I just want to make the point on behalf of the players and the supporters of this club, and the humility they have shown.

“After the game on Wednesday, we have a chief executive of Motherwell, a guy in senior authority, walking around with a laptop trying to show and demonstrate to the media that it wasn’t a penalty.

“He was also in the media room, trying to show members of the media that it wasn’t a penalty and then tweets later on that evening, talking about retaining class and dignity. That’s not behaviour that defines and fits that.

“For us, Motherwell have been three really good games. I have nothing with the manager as Stevie is a great guy and done brilliantly with his team. and all the games were competitive in different ways. But for senior members of the club to do that, I find very disappointing.

“Three good games, three tough games and I respect the emotions of them, but we have done our talking on the football field, and that’s where it should take place.

“Nothing should be written against our supporters and players about honesty. These guys have this record because of their honesty, because of how hard they work, because they never have a lazy day, because every time they play home and away, they are up for every game and not doing daft or lazy things. Their professionalism has been exemplary.

“The two officials involved have been questioned. Craig Thomson, he was there – ok, it was a bit soft but it was a foul. On Wednesday night, it was a bit soft but the motion of the player, he puts his hands on the player, and Willie Collum was there, so there is support for the two officials as well as they have got hammered for giving penalties – they were soft penalties, but they were penalties. It’s done, three games are done and we move on."